A man accused of plotting to carry out a violent terror attack in the United States has pleaded guilty, according to federal authorities.
Tawhedi’s plot, which was directed by ISIS, was aimed at attacking innocent Americans on Election Day, November 5, 2024.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “By pledging allegiance to ISIS and plotting an attack against innocent Americans, this defendant endangered lives and gravely betrayed the nation that gave him refuge.”
Bondi remarked that the guilty plea ensures accountability, leading to Tawhedi being stripped of his immigration status and facing permanent removal from the country.
The Attorney General also underlined the Justice Department’s firm stance, declaring a zero tolerance policy for those who exploit American freedoms to promote violence.
FBI Director Kash Patel also commented on the successful disruption of the plot.
Patel stated, “The defendant admits he planned and obtained firearms to carry out a violent terror attack on Election Day, a plot that was detected and disrupted through the good work of the FBI and our partners.”
He warned potential terrorists, saying, “Let this serve as notice to anyone who tries to conduct attacks in our homeland for ISIS or any other terror group: we will find you and you’ll face American justice.”
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester expressed his commendation for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement in thwarting the terrorist attack.
Troester said, “Through incredible law enforcement effort and coordination, a violent terrorist attack on American soil was thwarted, and those responsible are being held accountable.”
Highlighting the collaborative work of the FBI and its partners, Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater of the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office praised the efforts of the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Goodwater stated, “Thanks to outstanding work by the Oklahoma City Joint Terrorism Task Force, the defendant’s plan to kill innocent Americans in a terrorist attack on Election Day was stopped.”
The details of the case reveal that Tawhedi conspired with another individual between June and October 2024 to purchase firearms and ammunition for the planned attack.
Court documents show that he aimed to acquire two AK-47 rifles, 500 rounds of ammunition, and 10 magazines to carry out a mass-casualty attack.
Tawhedi even communicated with an ISIS facilitator regarding his firearms purchase plan, inquiring if 500 rounds of ammunition would be sufficient for the attack.
On October 7, 2024, Tawhedi and co-conspirator Abdullah Haji Zada were arrested after they successfully purchased the firearms and ammunition from an undercover FBI employee.
Zada, only 18 at the time, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to firearms offenses related to his role in the thwarted plot and now awaits sentencing.
He entered his plea as an adult despite being 17 during the arrest and will be sentenced accordingly.
Under the terms of the agreement, Tawhedi could face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the material support charge and up to 15 years for the firearms charge.
Meanwhile, Zada could receive a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison.
Both defendants will also face permanent removal from the United States upon completing their sentences, per judicial orders barring their reentry to Afghanistan.
A federal district court judge will decide the sentences based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutory factors.
The FBI’s Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes multiple law enforcement agencies, continues its investigation into the case.
The prosecution team comprises Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Perry, Matt Dillon, and Everett McMillian, along with Trial Attorney Jennifer Levy from the Counterterrorism Section.
Additionally, Trial Attorney Mark Stoneman, previously an Assistant U.S. Attorney, also assisted in the prosecution.
This case highlights the persistent threat of terrorism on American soil and the ongoing efforts by various law enforcement agencies to protect citizens from such acts of violence.
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